High school football semifinals preview

#1 Maryville (13-0) at #1 Siegel (13-0)-Maryville pushed its winning streak to 42 games with a 41-20 win over previously unbeaten Dobyns-Bennett last week. The Rebels have won nine state championships in the last 12 years. Siegel is a fairly new school; it opened in 2003, and is making only its third playoff appearance. The Stars beat Riverdale 33-20 last week.

Siegel quarterback Brent Stockstill has received scholarship offers from several Division I schools including Texas Tech and Memphis. According to the [Murfreesboro] Daily News Journal, the Mr. Football finalist partially tore his ACL in the win over Riverdale, but says he plans to try to play anyway.

Maryville- 41.8 points per game; 16.6 points allowed per game

Siegel- 42.1 points per game, 9.1 points allowed per game

5A

#1 Powell (12-1) at #1 Columbia (11-2)- Columbia reached the state championship game in 2009 but lost to Beech. The Lions returned to Cookeville the following year and won the title. Powell is hoping a similar scenario plays out for them. The Panthers were undefeated last season before losing to Henry County in the championship game. Powell finds itself just one win away from returning to the Blue Cross Bowl for another shot at the title.

This year's Powell squad is different. Derek Rang is at the helm in his first season and instead of leaning on a high powered offense the Panthers rely on their aggressive defense. Powell allows only 13.6 points per game and employs the program's all-time leader in sacks (Shar'ron Moore with 18) and interceptions (Jonathan Strozyk with 19). The offense is still potent, featuring a pair of 1,000 yard rushers in quarterback Hagen Owenby and running back Montario Washington.

4A

#2 Fulton (11-2) at #1 Giles County (13-0)- Both of these teams demolished just about everyone in their paths this season. Fulton averaged 48 points in its 11 wins, while Giles County averages 43 points per game. Like Fulton, the Bobcats have had several run-ins with Greeneville in the last few years. Giles County beat Greeneville in the 2009 state championship game but was eliminated by the eventual champs in the semifinals last year.

The Greene Devils knocked Fulton out of the postseason the last two years but the Falcons smashed Greeneville 42-14 in the second round this season. Fulton took down Livingston Academy last week, 35-14. Running back Daryl Rollins has amassed 1926 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns this fall.

3A

#3 CAK (12-1) at #1 Elizabethton (11-2)- Both schools have seen promising seasons come to an end in the playoffs thanks to Alcoa. CAK has put an end to that nightmare the last two years. CAK beat Alcoa last year en route to its first state title and the Warriors took out the Tornadoes last week, 38-36. Rusty Bradley boldly decided to go for two on the Warriors final score. CAK converted to take an eight-point lead then stopped Alcoa's two point attempt moments later to clinch the win. CAK beat Elizabethton in the regular season in 2009 and 2010. Warriors receiver Davis Howell sits at 333 career receptions, only 16 shy of the national record.

1A

#2 Coalfield (11-1) at #2 Gordonsville (11-1)- Coalfield rushed for 378 yards in a hard fought 34-31 win over Greenback last week. Addison Bible contributed more than 200 yards on the ground and QB Ryan Hill chipped in 100+ yards of his own. Gordonsville also has a powerful rushing attack. Tigers quarterback Payton Watson and running back Kaelin Cason each average nine yards per carry and have surpassed the 1,000 yard mark for the season. Coalfield is looking for its first ever state championship game appearance.

Webb has an open date this week and will play ECS in the DII-A Championship on November 29.